Waverley

Trying to rent a car using europcar's website. When I put Avignon train station or Avignon - all locations, as a pick up point, I get the response that this location is closed. I know after reading Mayle's book, Encore provence that there is a railroad station in Apt that is closed but what is the story in Avignon? Is the date that I am trying ( a Monday in July) the problem? Where do I pick up a car in Avignon afer arriving by train?

Byrd

Hi Waverly-- In October 1998 there was an Avis rental office at the Avignon train station. We arrived from Nice about noon on Sunday and had to wait until 2 p.m. for the office to open. And that was just the beginning of our car "problems" that day! Our group of four couples had reserved two four-door cars. After the office in the station opened, we were told that our cars were ready and to go to the lot about a block away. Off we went, each of us pulling a seriously overpacked suitcase with attached carry-on. (Yes, several important lessons were learned that day) We laughed and struggled to the little parking lot office, and there were the two smallest four-door cars I have ever seen! The Avis people looked at us and our luggage. We looked at the cars and our luggage. We all started laughing until we cried. There was no language problem! In the end, we hired a taxi (the largest we saw at the station) to take to help carry people and suitcases. It worked out nicely because because the delightful taxi driver led us to our chateau about 10 miles out of town, and we arranged for him to return to help load us back to the station several days later.

Byrd

OK, now that I've enjoyed remembering that funny day, I'll try to be of some help. I just checked the Avis site and they list several locations in Avignon, including the railway station. It says they are open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. If you arriving on Sunday, check this out carefully!

Sue

There is a Europcar office in Avignon at the "gare"; we returned a car there last summer and are returning one there in May. Perhaps the hour you put in, the office was closed (between 12-2?). You can always try AutoEurope--they are brokers for different rental companies, but we have ended up with Europcar whenever we use it. Rate for March and May $200/wk compact (including VAT taxes, but not CDW). www.autoeurope.com

PB

I see from your post that you are arriving in July. In June (on the 10th to be exact) the new TGV train station in Avignon will be opening. So if you're arriving on a TGV you will no longer come into the station just outside the city walls. The new station is south of the city (maybe 10 minutes) near the Durance river. They haven't finished the station yet - although I drive past it almost every week and they're working like hell, so no one is sure where the rental offices will be located. Since it's a new station that looks more like an airline terminal, everyone's guess is that they will all be inside the station... with the cars just outside (they're planning lots of parking).

At present the EuropCar office is near the hotel next to the train station.

PB

jen

Hum...very interested in hearing there is a new station - thanks VERY much for the info. No more quick trips into Avignon to purchase train munchies - bummer.

I've rented cars at the 'old' station at Avis. The first time, Avis was in the terminal. The second time, it took me a couple of stressful minutes to find that the Avis office was in a trailer outside of the station. I would assume that if the offices were not ready in the new station, that Avis would have a similar set-up, so look for a trailer.

BTW - They are the only car rental company I have seen at the 'gare'. Have fun!

Vincent

Avis and SNCF have got a special agreement (special "train + auto " deals, etc. ) that gives Avis a monopoly on in-station offices. Usually, you'll find the competitors (including Europcar) just outside the station perimeter.

Waverley

Thanks to everyone for the answers.Everybody had useful information. I have a quote from Auto Europe but was trying to get a quote from Europcar for comparison. I have used them in Africa (believe it or not) and have found them to be reasonable. Anyway lots of information (and a great anecdote, Byrd). PB, thanks for the info about the new TGV station in Avignon. A relative had thought that I might not be able to get the TGV to Paris in Avignon but I guess that means that I can. I am still trying to work out the train schedules.